[This is a sponsored article with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).]
One common thing we’ve noticed seasoned, true blue entrepreneurs advise budding business leaders in Malaysia is not to pigeonhole themselves.
Instead of focusing on our country, local businesses should cast their net wider and focus on dominating the regional market.
In fact, having a wider market reach has pushed Kuala Lumpur to become one of the world’s top 20 emerging startup ecosystems, according to the Startup Genome 2025 report.
Accessing foreign markets can be tricky, though. That’s why, for years now, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has been working to help Malaysian companies gain this access and expand their footprint to other countries.
Specifically, through its initiative called the Digital Export (DEX) CONNEX programmes.
It’s all about building connections
DEX CONNEX is a platform designed to engage, connect, and showcase Malaysian tech companies through MDEC’s Business Support Ecosystem partners in each market.
First and foremost, the primary objective is to facilitate strategic partnerships. From there, market expansion and export opportunities are within reach. DEX CONNEX also emphasises networking, which could serve to drive innovation and allow bnew
To do this, MDEC taps into a robust regional network of partners. These partners encompass a diverse range of stakeholders, including channel partners, government agencies, associations, corporates, and more.
It’s essentially everybody you would want on your side as you expand your business into a new territory.
Next stop, Thailand and Vietnam
Earlier this year, MDEC’s market access programme has already facilitated two trips abroad—first to the Philippines, then to Indonesia (which is its largest to date).
The visit to the Philippines brought Malaysian delegates to the Microsoft Philippines office and also involved a Business Matching activity, amongst other great opportunities.
The latest visit to Indonesia was remarkably successful. MDEC saw 83 Malaysian tech firms ink 26 MoUs in the country, generating RM450 million in digital exports.
But it doesn’t stop there. The DEX CONNEX programme is setting sail for Thailand (August 4 to 6) and Vietnam (August 21 to 22) too.
Gaining market access in these notable countries is crucial for Malaysia. Helping our local companies grow will trickle into other aspects of our nation’s fabric, such as nurturing our talent, attracting investments, driving innovation, and even contributing to taxes.
In other words, MDEC opening the doors for Malaysian companies to gain access isn’t just to benefit individual businesses, it will strengthen Malaysia’s overall ecosystem.
Get global today
By now, you might be wondering how you can join this illustrious programme.
Well, DEX CONNEX is open to all Malaysian tech companies. And guess what? No participation fees are required!
The cost from the flight and accommodation will need to be borne by the companies, but this is a fantastic chance for Malaysian tech startups to familiarise themselves with our neighbouring markets.
After all, you shouldn’t let yourself be limited by Malaysia’s 30+ million population size—embarking on this market access journey will serve to increase your reach and potential stakeholders. With Malaysia being smack in the middle of ASEAN, this already sets local companies up for great regional success.
If you’re interested in either DEX CONNEX Thailand or DEX CONNEX Vietnam, registrations are still open. Applications are open for the Thailand programme until July 25, while the Vietnam trip will close on August 11.
You can get more information and sign up on MDEC’s website—just make sure to do it before the deadline.
From KL to the world
As Malaysian tech companies expand regionally through programmes like DEX CONNEX, they are also preparing to showcase their innovations on the global stage at Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (SCEKL).
Happening September 17-19, 2025, this event is hosted by the Ministry of Digital and co-organised by MDEC and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).
SCEKL is the Southeast Asian edition of a leading urban innovation event, the Smart City Expo World Congress brought by Fira Barcelona.
This year, SCEKL is themed “AI Cities: Shaping Our Digital Future,” and will bring together global thought leaders and innovators to explore how digital technologies and AI are transforming the way we live, work, and connect in our cities.
The expo will feature notable changemakers, including keynote speaker Dr. David Hanson, the visionary behind the renowned Sophia the Robot and founder of Hanson Robotics. Sophia the Robot will also make a special appearance at the event.
Spotlighting Malaysia’s digital capabilities to international stakeholders, SCEKL is a strategic platform for export-ready solutions to gain visibility, attract partnerships, and strengthen regional presence—further cementing Malaysia’s position as a digital leader in Southeast Asia.
- Learn more about Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) here.
- For more about SCEKL 2025, please visit www.smartcityexpokl.com
- Read other articles we’ve written about MDEC here
Featured Image Credit: MDEC
